That left medical mergers to dominate the early market news. ViroPharma (VPHM) soared 26% on news it would be acquired by Shire (SHPG). Spain-based Grifols (GRFS) rose 5% after announcing it would pay $1.7 billion for the blood diagnostics unit of Swizterland's Novartis (NVS).

Offshore drill fleet operator Transocean (RIG) climbed 3% out of the starting gate. The Switzerland-based company said it planned, based an agreement with major shareholder Carl Icahn, to post a $3 a share dividend, reduce the size of its board and potentially spin off a portion of the company as a master limited partnership.

A filing in August showed Icahn owned about 6% of the company's outstanding shares. Transocean has been trading in a narrow range for the last two years, after sliding from its high in May 2008.

Deckers Outdoor (DECK) kicked up 4% in three times its average trade. The maker of Ugg boots and Teva sandals is near a 20-month high. It has waged a steady, 12-month advance off the bottom of a 75% correction.

Among leaders, three-dimensional printer makers led the IBD 50 in early action. 3D Systems (DDD) jumped 5% in strong trade, jabbing to a new high. Peer Stratasys (SSYS) climbed more than 3%, inching close to a new high.

Losses among leaders were mild, led by a 1% slip from Nu Skin Enterprises (NUS). The personal care products markets is extended 24% past a 90.10 flat-base buy point. It has met resistance at the 120 level.

See Also

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Select market data is provided by Interactive Data Corp. Real Time Services. Price and Volume data is delayed 20 minutes unless otherwise noted, is believed accurate but is not warranted or guaranteed by Interactive Data Corp. Real Time Services and is subject to Interactive Data Corp. Real Time Services terms. All times are Eastern United States. *Reflects real-time index prices.